small town girl

So Ellie and I went home for the fair this past weekend. We had such a good time. We did the cake walk (and won the special Mickey Mouse cake, BONUS!!), rode the train 456 times, ate an elephant ear, saw all our important people, ate at the fish fry, and just relaxed and enjoyed ourselves. It was the first time I took her home by myself and I am very proud, and very tired. She went and went and went!

Every time I go home I want to move home more and more. There are so many things there that I want Ellie to know and be a part of her childhood. I want her to play t-ball with her cousins, go to Jerry's for a grape slush, visit on Linda's front porch, have Melissa and Carissa cut her hair, have her Grandpa take her golfing, swim at Lori's, ride her bike to Ann's for a drink of water and a bandaid (Hi Ann!!), let her Nana spoil her rotten, go to a school where the teachers know she is Chris and Tia's little girl, and so many more things. Little things that don't matter in the day to day, but are huge when looking back.

Now don't get me wrong, I love the life I have created here. I have awesome friends and there are huge benefits to living in the city. I am just a small town girl. I always will be.

So to my Indiana family, it was wonderful seeing you and I miss you and love you.

PS...this is my favorite pic of the weekend... Ellie with her hand on her heart during the National Anthem. Priceless.